Stranger’s liver donation saves baby girl after Facebook plea
Mother's Facebook plea leads to life-saving liver donation for baby girl
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A baby girl’s life was saved after a compassionate stranger answered her mother’s urgent plea on Facebook. Helin Dinler, diagnosed with Biliary Atresia shortly after birth, faced a grim prognosis. At six months old, doctors informed her family that she needed an immediate liver transplant to survive beyond 18 months. Unfortunately, none of her relatives, including her nine-year-old sister Veronika, were suitable matches.
In April, Helin’s mother, Anna Shushura, 36, from Stirling, made a heartfelt appeal on social media, seeking a liver donor for her daughter. Letty Fenlon, a 27-year-old show jumper from Yorkshire, saw the post through a friend and immediately offered to help. After extensive tests, doctors confirmed she was a match.
Letty, already registered as an organ donor, felt a strong urge to assist. “I noticed Anna’s post through a friend. I was already an organ donor, but I decided to check if I was a match. When I found out I was, it was incredible to know I could potentially save Helin’s life,” she said. Despite the risks, Letty felt compelled to proceed, understanding the family’s desperation.
Helin’s condition was evident early, as she began losing weight soon after birth. Despite a healthy pregnancy and a seemingly perfect newborn, surgery at Leeds Children’s Hospital at six weeks old did not succeed, leaving a transplant as the only option.
In May, Letty underwent a six-hour surgery at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, donating a portion of her liver to Helin. She remarked, “I was nervous but no more so than when I compete with my horses. The incision was tough, but the liver’s ability to heal itself is remarkable.”
Helin received her new liver the day after Letty’s surgery without complications. Anna expressed immense gratitude, saying, “Letty’s act of kindness gave Helin a second chance at life. We will be forever thankful.”
Helin was placed on the urgent transplant list just a week before her surgery due to her deteriorating condition. Anna recalled the relief upon learning a match was found, describing the overwhelming emotions.
Now nine months old and twelve weeks post-transplant, Helin is thriving. She continues to have weekly hospital visits, but her progress is promising. Anna, who maintains regular contact with Letty, is overjoyed to have her daughter home and healthy.
Letty cherishes the updates from Anna, appreciating the positive news about Helin’s recovery and development.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Daily Record reports on a stranger, Letty, who saved a baby’s life after the baby’s mother’s Facebook plea for a liver donor.(read more)
- reddit.com explores how a stranger, prompted by a Facebook plea from a desperate mother, donated a life-saving kidney to her baby, saving the newborn’s life.(read more)
- Yahoo News reports on the incredible act of kindness by a stranger who saves a baby’s life after the baby’s mother, Anna Shushura, 36, pleads online for a liver donor for her six-month-old daughter, Helin.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What condition was the baby diagnosed with?
Helin was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare disease that blocks bile ducts.
Why did Helin need a liver transplant?
Helin needed a liver transplant to survive because her condition blocked her bile ducts.
How did Letty Fenlon become involved in Helin’s case?
Letty saw Anna’s plea on Facebook and contacted the liver donation team to see if she was a match.
What was the outcome of the liver transplant?
Helin received the liver transplant with no complications and is now thriving.
How is Helin doing after the transplant?
Helin is doing very well, regularly monitored by doctors, and developing normally at home.